Interchangeable midsole  system for footwear

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses an interchangeable midsole for use in the manufacture of shoes. The embodiments of the invention allow for greater rigidity, durability, and comfort for shoes to be used in every day life and in extreme sports as well as impact and abrasion protection for the wearer&#39;s feet, no matter what the wearer is doing. One or more embodiments of the invention are adapted to provide skateboard riders with increased durability and comfort in their riding shoes. Furthermore, because the novel midsole design is interchangeable among various shoe soles and uppers, the manufacturer is able to adapt various shoe designs and configurations around the common midsole.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates, generally, to footwear; more particularly, to aninterchangeable midsole system for sports shoes, which allows themanufacturer and designer to configure the shoe's midsole to particularsports applications.

BACKGROUND

Sport shoes are generally comprised of soles, midsoles, insoles, anduppers. The sole or cupsole is the bottom of a shoe, which supports thewearer's foot and comes in contact with the ground. It usually consistsof several layers, and is usually a separate piece from the upper shoe.The midsole is a layer that is situated between the insole and the sole,found in some shoes. Often it will provide cushioning and shape to theinsole. The insole is the exterior bottom of the shoe, which sitsdirectly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceableinsoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or healthreasons.

Interchangeable parts have been developed in a number of applications onshoes, in order that the wearer or manufacturer may customize shoecomponents. U.S. Pat. No. 3,526,976 to Jacobs, for example, discloses aninterchangeable sports shoe to which may be attached cleats,roller-skates, or other such sports attachments. Similarly, U.S. Pat.No. 5,410,841 to Hilgendorf discloses a shoe with interchangeable soles,which allows a single shoe to be fitted with multiple soles that areadapted to be worn on different surfaces and materials. In this manner,these patents disclose the use of interchangeable parts as a means ofincreasing the usability of a single shoe for different applications.

Several other patents disclose means of using interchangeable parts inorder to increase a shoe's longevity or to allow the wearer to customizethe shoe's comfort settings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,915,596 to Grove et al.,for example, discloses a shoe with a separable upper and sole structure,such that, when the sole of the shoe becomes worn, the sole may beindependently replaced.

Also, a variety of soles may be used with a single upper in order toallow the user to customize the sole used in a particular application.U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,175,946 to Tsai, U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,637 to Schindler,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,529 to Serna disclose means by which shoecomponents may be selected and customized to an individual's comfortsettings. Tsai's invention discloses an insole with a recess in its heelfor receiving a variety of pneumatic buffers. The pneumatic buffers, inturn, may be selected based upon the wearer's desired settings.Similarly, Schindler's device discloses a shoe that featuresinterchangeable elastic inserts to the shoe's insoles that may bechanged or customized based upon the wearer's particular desires.Serna's shoe also discloses a means of interchangeably inserting avariety of shock absorbing cassettes that allow the wearer to adjust thecushioning elements of the shoe.

Another class of interchangeable shoe systems operates by allowing thewearer to reconfigure the shoe by using varied midsole inserts. U.S.Pat. No. 5,533,280 to Halliday, for example, discloses a shoe withinterchangeable including an interchangeable midsole that is removablymounted to the sole of the shoe. In this manner, Halliday discloses ameans for allowing the user to customize the shoe to his or herindividual needs. Other such shoes are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos.5,779,417 and 6,023,859, both to Burke et al., which disclose aremovable midsole insert for shoes that allows the wearer to quickly andeasily replace inserts for improved lateral heel stability.

Another such midsole insert is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,137 toCelia, which discloses a midsole insert that allows the wearer greatercomfort. Celia's insert is further adaptable for use with insulatedmaterials, for cooling a wearer's foot in warm environments, and withhydrophilic urethane for insulating the wearer's foot in coolenvironments.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,332 to Halliday also discloses a system ofinterchangeable midsoles for footwear. In particular, Halliday's devicediscloses a means by which the user may assemble footwear using avariety of components and adapted to the wearer's particular needs. Insummary, while the above devices disclose means of interchanging shoecomponents for improved comfort or durability, none of the above devicesdiscloses an interchangeable shoe sole that is particularly suited tothe sport of skateboarding.

Other shoes have been developed, which are particularly suited to thestresses and wear encountered by the sport of skateboarding.Skateboarding shoes, for example, usually use reinforced uppers that aretailored to withstand the stresses caused by skateboarding tricks suchas the “ollie” or “ollie-pop.” As part of the ollie, when the rider isin the air, he or she slides his or her front foot forward against theskateboard deck to drag the board higher into the air and level theskateboard deck. This motion causes unique wear to the skateboarder'sshoe because the upper-front portion of the shoe is forced against theskateboard deck, which usually has a rough, sandpaper-like texture.

One shoe design that is adapted to use by skateboarders is disclosed byU.S. Pat. No. 6,922,916 to Potter, which discloses a footwear wearindicator. Potter's patent discloses a multi-colored, multi-layered solefor shoes that allows the wearer to evaluate the wear to differentportions of the shoe by observing the color of the portions. Anothershoe design that is adapted to improve the performance of skateboardingshoes is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,768 to Baek, which discloses askateboard shoe with a sole of varying thickness. Baek's patentdiscloses a shoe that is well adapted to the pressures encountered inskateboarding by featuring a sole with four sole pads of differenthardness values. Baek, however, fails to disclose a midsole that isinterchangeable among a plurality of uppers and shoe soles, thus,allowing the manufacturer to use the same sole with a number of shoemidsole configurations.

Thus, there remains a long felt need in the art for a skateboarding shoemidsole that allows the manufacturer to customize different shoe upperand sole configurations while maintaining improved resistance to thestresses and wears encountered in the sport of skateboarding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is directed towards improving upon theabove shortcomings by disclosing a skateboarding shoe midsole thatimproves upon the durability of the shoe while remaining adaptable to awide variety of shoe uppers and soles. Thus, the interchangeable midsoleallows a skateboard shoe manufacturer to develop a wide variety of shoesaround a common, effective midsole design.

This invention is directed towards significantly increasing the utilityof the midsole by increasing its functionality for skateboardingpurposes and allowing it to be interchangeable among a variety of shoeuppers and shoe soles. It should be noted that the shoe's configurationmay be selected by the manufacturer, in order to allow the various typesof shoes to be selectively customized for particular applications,styles, and designs. It should be further noted that the interchangeablemidsoles contemplated by this invention may be practiced with sportshoes, work shoes, comfort shoes, or any other type of shoe known in theart.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interchangeable midsolecomprises a flat surface that includes two or more flex grooves,comprised of depressions or cut-outs in the surface of the midsole. Theflex grooves allow the midsole to more easily articulate as the shoe isstretched under the pressures of walking and sports activities. Thisinterchangeable midsole may be used with a variety of shoe uppers andsoles.

In another embodiment of the invention, particularly adapted to thesport of skateboarding, the interchangeable midsole features raisedareas in the toe and “ollie” area. For the purposes of this disclosure,the “ollie-area” shall refer to the area on the outer side and top footareas adjacent to the toes that are often impacted or scraped during“ollie” type skating maneuvers. In this embodiment of the invention, themidsole extends above the cupsole of the invention in order to allowgreater abrasion and impact protection to the wearer's foot from impactscommonly encountered in the sport of skateboarding.

In a variation on the above invention, sections of the cupsole and upperare removed, such that the midsole of the shoe is exposed to theexterior of the shoe. This allows the midsole material to directlycontact any materials coming in contact with the shoe, such as askateboard. These areas of the midsole may be coated with abrasionresistant and/or grip applications, in order to enhance the shoe'sperformance in the sport of skateboarding. Also, in one embodiment ofthe invention, the interchangeable midsole, which absorbs the majorityof the shoe's shock and wear, may be replaced without the need toreplace the entire shoe.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the interchangeable midsolefeatures a heel pad that is comprised of a material of greatercompressibility than the material from which the midsole is formed.Using this second, more compressible material at the heel of the shoeallows the shoe to better protect the foot of the wearer against shockand impact. In another embodiment of the invention, in addition to theheel pad, the midsole also features a front pad, which aids in absorbingshock and protecting the foot of the wearer.

In another embodiment of the invention, the midsole extends above thecupsole in order to allow greater stability to the shoe. One suchembodiment, which improves upon the shoe's stability, comprises amidsole that includes the toe and “ollie” guards discussed above, inaddition to a heel guard. Another such embodiment includes a raisedportion that protects the sides of the middle of the foot. Thisprotection may be by one, two, or more vertically extending members.These and other embodiments may be practiced in the manner discussedabove, by removing sections of the cupsole and/or upper such that themidsole is exposed to the exterior of the shoe.

In should be noted that the practice of any of the above embodiments intandem or other combination remains within the contemplation of theinvention. What is more, the principles of the invention may bepracticed with any of the materials commonly used in the art of shoedesign, including, but not limited to: air filled midsoles, gel-filledmidsoles, rubber insoles, plastic midsoles, foam midsoles, ethylenevinyl acetate midsoles, polyurethane midsoles, and other such materialsknown and used in the art.

In summary, one embodiment of the invention comprises a novelinterchangeable midsole for sport shoes wherein the midsole extendsabove the cupsole in order to provide additional protection to thewearer's foot. Further embodiments include variations wherein cutouts inthe shoe's cupsole and upper allow the midsole to be exposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is an illustration from a perspective view of a shoe cupsole andmidsole featuring one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is an illustration from a perspective view of a shoe featuringone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is an illustration from a perspective view of a shoe cupsole andmidsole featuring one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments ofthe invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detailso as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of theinvention.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although notexplicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may bepracticed in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore,the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of theinvention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. Forinstance, “shoe” refers to any of the various coverings for the humanfoot including shoes, boots, sandals, and similar such items knownwithin the art; “midsole” refers to any midsole, insole, or other middlelayer of the sole of a shoe; and “cupsole” refers to any shoe sole orother underside of a shoe or boot, or similar such device known withinthe art.

FIG. 1 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention. A shoe 100 is illustratedalong with its constituent parts, including the cupsole 105, theinterchangeable midsole 110, and the upper 115. The interchangeablemidsole 110 features flex grooves 120 in order to allow increasedflexibility and comfort for the wearer.

FIG. 2 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention. A shoe 200 is illustratedalong with its constituent parts, including the cupsole 205, theinterchangeable midsole 210, and the upper 215. The interchangeablemidsole 210 features a rigid toe-guard 220 and ollie-guard 225 in orderto protect the foot of the wearer from abrasion and/or impact commonlyencountered in the sport of skateboarding.

FIG. 3A is an illustration from a perspective view of a shoe cupsole andmidsole featuring one embodiment of the invention. The cupsole 305features numerous cut-outs 315, 320, and 325, in order that portions ofthe midsole 310 may be exposed. In this embodiment of the invention, theinterchangeable midsole 310 features a toe-guard 330, ollie-guard 335,and heel-guard 340, which are exposed through the cut-outs 315, 320, and325, respectively. Thus, the invention allows elements of theinterchangeable midsole 310 to be exposed.

FIG. 3B is an illustration from a perspective view of a shoe featuringone embodiment of the invention. The shoe 300 is illustrated along withits constituent parts, including the cupsole 305, the midsole 333, andthe upper 340. In this illustration, the toe-guard 330 and theollie-guard 335 are exposed through an opening 315 of the sole 305. Inthis manner, the exposed portions of the midsole 333 allow greaterimpact and abrasion protection to the wearer's foot.

FIG. 4A is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention. A shoe 400 is illustratedalong with its constituent parts, including the cupsole 405, the midsole415, and the upper 420. The cupsole 405 in this embodiment of theinvention features a cut-out 425 such that the ollie-guard 410 on themidsole 415 may be exposed.

FIG. 4B is an illustration from a perspective view of a shoe cupsole andmidsole featuring one embodiment of the invention. The cupsole 405 inthis illustration features a cut-out 415, which allows portions of themidsole 410 to be exposed. This embodiment of the invention includes amidsole 410 that features additional support and protection of thewearer's foot. The inner-foot support 420 is formed as a plate thatextends upwards to cover the inside of the mid-foot. The outer-footsupport 425 is formed as two forks that extend upwards to cover theoutside of the mid-foot.

FIG. 5 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention. A shoe 500 is illustratedalong with its constituent parts, including the cupsole 505, theinterchangeable midsole 510, and the upper 515. The interchangeablemidsole 510 features a rigid toe-guard 525 and ollie-guard 530 in orderto protect the foot of the wearer from abrasion and/or impact commonlyencountered in the sport of skateboarding. The interchangeable midsole510 further features a cushioning heel-pad 520 formed of compressiblematerial in order to protect the wearer's heel from impacts encounteredin the sport of skateboarding.

FIG. 6 is an illustration from an exploded, perspective view of a shoefeaturing one embodiment of the invention. A shoe 600 is illustratedalong with its constituent parts, including the cupsole 605, theinterchangeable midsole 610, and the upper 615. The interchangeablemidsole 610 features a cushioning heel-pad 620 and cushioning padadjacent to the midfoot 625, both formed of compressible material inorder to protect the wearer's heel from impacts encountered in the sportof skateboarding.

1. An interchangeable midsole for shoes, comprising: a cushioning padfor insertion into shoes, one or more raised portions extending abovethe sole of the shoe, said one or more raised portions comprised of arigid or semi-rigid material, such that said one or more raised portionsprovide impact and abrasion protection to the wearer's foot.
 2. Aninterchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 1, wherein said oneor more raised portions are comprised of a plastic sheet.
 3. Aninterchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 1, wherein said oneor more raised portions are exposed to the exterior of the shoe throughcut-outs in the sole or upper of the shoe.
 4. An interchangeable midsolefor shoes according to claim 3, wherein said one or more raised portionsfeature an abrasion resistant coating.
 5. An interchangeable midsole forshoes according to claim 4, wherein said one or more raised portionsfeature a grip coating.
 6. An interchangeable midsole for shoesaccording to claim 1, wherein said cushioning pad features a heel pad,said heel pad being comprised of a generally compressible material. 7.An interchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 6, wherein saidheel pad is a pneumatic heel pad.
 8. An interchangeable midsole forshoes according to claim 6, wherein said heel pad is comprised of foam.9. An interchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 6, whereinsaid heel paid is hydraulic or otherwise fluid filled.
 10. Aninterchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 1, wherein saidcushioning pad features a heel pad and a front pad, said heel and frontpads being comprised of a generally compressible material.
 11. Aninterchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 6, wherein saidheel and front pads feature a pneumatic system for absorbing shocks. 12.An interchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 6, wherein saidheel and front pads feature a foam system for absorbing shocks.
 13. Aninterchangeable midsole for shoes according to claim 6, wherein saidheel and front pads feature a hydraulic or other fluid filled system forabsorbing shocks.
 14. An interchangeable midsole for shoes according toclaim 1, wherein said one or more raised portions extend across the areaof the foot covering one or more toes.
 15. An interchangeable midsolefor shoes according to claim 1, wherein said one or more raised portionsextend across the area of the foot covering one or more toes and theoutside upper foot.
 16. An interchangeable midsole for shoes accordingto claim 1, wherein said one or more raised portions extend across thearea of the foot covering one or more toes, the outside upper foot, andportions of the heel of the foot.
 17. An interchangeable midsole forshoes according to claim 1, wherein said raised portions extend acrossthe outer midfoot of the wearer.
 18. An interchangeable midsole forshoes according to claim 17, wherein said one or more raised portionsare comprised of flat sheets.
 19. An interchangeable midsole for shoesaccording to claim 17, wherein said one or more raised portions arecomprised of two or more vertically extending sections.
 20. Aninterchangeable midsole for shoes, comprising: a cushioning pad forinsertion to shoes, said cushioning pad featuring two or more grooves ofless thickness than the thickness of said cushioning pad, said two ormore grooves allowing the easier articulation and flexing of saidmidsole.
 21. A shoe, comprising: a sole, an upper, and a midsole, saidmidsole featuring one or more raised portions extending above the soleof the shoe, said one or more raised portions comprised of a rigid orsemi-rigid material, such that said raised portion provides impact andabrasion protection to the wearer's foot.
 22. A shoe according to claim21, wherein said sole is generally formed as a cupsole and said soleand/or upper feature one or more cut-outs, and said one or more raisedportions of the midsole extend through said one or more cut-outs in saidsole and/or upper such that said one or more raised portions are exposedto the exterior of the shoe.
 23. A shoe system featuring interchangeablemidsoles, comprising: a shoe sole and shoe upper, said shoe sole andshoe upper being configured to be compatible with multiple midsoles, atleast one of the said interchangeable midsoles featuring a raisedportion extending above the sole of the shoe, said raised portioncomprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such that said raisedportion provides impact and abrasion protection to the wearer's foot.24. A shoe system featuring interchangeable midsoles according to claim23, wherein said shoe sole is generally formed as a cupsole and saidsole and/or the upper of said shoe feature one or more cut-outs, and oneof the said one or more raised portions of the midsole extend throughsaid one or more cut-outs in said sole and/or upper such that said oneor more raised portions are exposed to the exterior of the shoe.